Benefits of a Jade Roller and How to Use It

Every morning millions of people are applying a cool stone to their face and swear their skin looks better right after the treatment. But is it a time-tested beauty secret or a nice decoration that looks great on a vanity? The answer lies in between, and the knowledge of what it can and cannot do will help you achieve the maximum effect of this skincare tool. Here is what a jade roller can and cannot do and how to use it for the best results.

What Is a Jade Roller?

A jade roller is a handheld facial massager with a roller attached to one or both ends of its handle. The bigger size of a roller is used for massaging the larger area, such as cheekbones and forehead, and the smaller one reaches all the way around the contours of the eyes. Traditionally a jade roller is made of jade, a stone believed to have healing powers, and it is traditionally associated with East Asian beauty practices. Today it also comes in other materials such as rose quartz, amethyst, obsidian, and steel.

The purpose of a jade roller is to roll a stone over the skin to stimulate blood flow, increase product absorption and promote a healthy complexion.

How Does a Jade Roller Work?

The beneficial effects of a jade roller are due to two main mechanisms – massage and a cooling effect.

Massage stimulates the movement of fluids and toxins away from the body, which is particularly important after a night of sleep when the face tends to be puffy. Cooling the skin reduces inflammation and dilated blood vessels caused by the stress and promotes vasoconstriction.

The rolling action also assists in spreading serums and facial oils all over the skin, thereby enhancing their absorption. However, none of these effects can last forever, and daily care is needed for the best result.

Top Benefits of a Jade Roller

A jade roller has several beauty benefits, including:

• It reduces puffiness and swelling. Most of us wake up with puffy bags under our eyes, and a few minutes of rolling are enough to reduce the swelling and make the skin around the eyes look firm and refreshed.
• It cools and refreshes tired skin. Rolling a cool roller over the skin is incredibly calming and soothing. It also leaves the face with a healthy glow.
• It improves topical product performance. Serums and facial oils glide smoothly and evenly over the skin due to a rolling action and help the skin recover.
• It relieves tension and promotes relaxation. A jade roller is a perfect instrument for a self-care routine that helps relieve the tension in the face and jaw caused by the stress.
• It eliminates the tightness in the jaw. Many of us unconsciously hold the tension in the jaw, and rolling it gently with a jade roller can be incredibly relieving.
• It keeps you motivated. Rolling with a jade roller is an enjoyable experience and a simple tool that helps to achieve a sense of accomplishment after an entire skincare routine.

What a Jade Roller Cannot Do

To avoid disappointment, you need to know the jade roller’s limitations and not to believe in some myths about this tool. A jade roller is not able to:

• Remove wrinkles and lift the face. Any kind of drooping and wrinkles can only be removed during a professional lifting procedure, such as a surgical one.
• Slim your face. Of course, there are a number of exercises that make your face slender, but a jade roller is not among them.
• Get rid of pimples, scars, and dark spots. The only way to take care of the skin on a regular basis and keep it healthy is to use topical treatments.
• Replace a skincare routine. A jade roller is just an addition to it and should not be used as a substitute for any of its components.

Jade Roller vs. Other Rollers

As you can see, there is not much difference between the types of rollers in terms of performance. However, there is an individual preference depending on how often one intends to use it.

How to Use a Jade Roller Step by Step

• Preparation: Start by cleansing the face and sterilizing the roller. If you like it cold, you can store it in a fridge for 15-20 minutes before use. Avoid freezing as it can be damaging for the skin.
• Cleansing: Use a cleanser of your choice to remove all the impurities.
• Serum: Apply a serum or a facial oil to provide a massage medium.
• Massaging: Follow the guidelines below:
  • Neck first to improve lymphatic drainage;
  • Jaw and chin to contour the face;
  • Cheeks from the side of the nose to the ears with 5-8 paces for each side;
  • Under the eyes gently from the inside of the eye to the outside;
  • Forehead from the center of the brows to the hairline and back to the temples.
• Moisturizing: Finish the procedure with a moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning.

The recommended time for rolling is 3-5 minutes per session, and the most optimal frequency is once a day. Morning or night does not matter as long as it fits in your schedule.

How to Clean and Care for a Jade Roller

As any other tool that comes into contact with the skin, a jade roller needs to be kept clean. After each use, wipe it with a mild soap and a damp cloth, and make sure it is fully dried before the next use. Avoid getting water on the joint of the rollers as it can loosen the mechanism. Store it in a safe place away from direct sunlight. Handle it with care to avoid breaking the fragile stone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid rolling too hard as it can stretch the skin and cause redness.
• Avoid rolling on dry skin as it can tug the skin.
• Avoid rolling over sensitive areas such as the pimples, sunburn, abrasions, or rash.
• Avoid using a dirty roller, as it can cause a skin breakout.
• Avoid waiting for dramatic results. Although there might be some improvement in the appearance of the puffiness, it is still important to wait for the daily skincare to show its effect.

Who Should Be Careful About Using a Jade Roller?

If a person has extremely sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, dilated blood vessels, or other conditions, they should avoid using a jade roller and consult a dermatologist. In addition, a person cannot use any type of facial massage after a medical aesthetic procedure; they should wait until their doctor or dermatologist recommends that it is safe to do so.

Tips to Get the Best Results from a Jade Roller

• Use it together with a hydrating serum for a plump and dewy appearance;
• Roll upward and outward to firm the skin;
• Keep the sessions short and gentle;
• Roll before applying makeup to keep the skin smooth; and
• Pair it with a balanced skincare, regular sleep, and a healthy diet.

Final Thoughts

A jade roller is not a magic wand, which will make you look years younger in an instant, but it is a very useful tool to be added to everyone’s skincare routine. Rolling combined with high-quality serums and creams can visibly improve the condition of the skin. Too harsh movements, on the other hand, will ruin the skin, as well as unclean tools, which can cause a skin breakout. It is also important to roll only after cleansing and not right before going outside, as it will make the skin too sensitive to UV rays. Remember, the key to a healthy skin is a comprehensive skincare and not a singular step, however amazing it might seem.